Clam Chowder and a Diamond Ring

I’ve been wanting to write a response to Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop prompt: “Married? Tell us the story of how the question was popped,” all day. But with fall allergies and the damp coldness outside, I’ve been quite unmotivated. That is until my husband decided all I needed was a cup of hot cocoa with mint schnapps.

So, just how did this cocoa-bearing father of two ask me to marry him?

It was close to this time of year, actually. I was going to be traveling with my parents to visit my sister in Iowa (or was she in Nebraska then?). My sweetheart of 7 years was going to pet sit my hermit crabs (yes, you read that right, I had hermit crabs), and I was dropping them off at his place and saying goodbye before the long drive to my sister’s.

Looking back I always say I should have seen it coming; after all, he not only had home made clam chowder cooking, he also had the table set. How many guys do you know set the table for dinner? It had always been “get your own bowl and spoon out and help yourself.”

After a delicious dinner he asked if I wanted to open my Christmas gift before I left. I felt a little guilty because I hadn’t brought his gift with me; I had left it at my apartment thinking we’d do the whole gift thing at a later date.

He had an Enya CD playing, not unusual at the time, and he handed me a small box from under the tree. No, not a “ring” box. When I opened it, it was a box from some kind of collectible figurine. My first thought was, “What the heck is this? I don’t collect these goofy things…”

But instead of the figurine there was a smaller box inside, this time jewelry-sized. I tried to slow my heart-rate; after all, I had been wrong before; it could easily be earrings or a necklace… When I opened the box he was kneeling in front of me, and that is when he asked me the question I had been waiting so long for.

And, of course, I said yes.

That was 8 years and 2 beautiful babies ago, and every time he makes clam chowder I can’t help but think back to that day.

Comments

Man! I am a weepy mess reading all of these proposal writing prompts. This was up there at the top with my favorites. How wonderful that he created such a wonderful memory for the both of you! I love it and homemade clam chowder!!! I’m going to think of the two of you with every cup or bowl from now on…

Oh, this is an awesome story! I love it. I’ll let you know when I post my story. After seeing yours, I went to Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop and plan to do the same next week. You have a great story. Can’t wait to share mine too :). Have an awesome weekend!

I love that you had been dating 7 years and it was such a surprise. Way to set a scene! It sounds like he still knows how to make a girl feel loved. Thanks for stopping by my post yesterday. Have a good weekend!